Worker alleges he was fired for making workers' compensation claim

A former employee of Power Maintenance & Constructors in O'Fallon alleges he was fired last year for having made a workers' compensation claim.

According to a suit filed Oct. 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, William T. Herman suffered a workplace accident Nov. 8, 2005. A week later he was fired after making a claim for benefits under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.

"Said termination of the Plaintiff's employment by the Defendant was in retaliation for the Plaintiff's exercise of a right granted under the Act," the complaint states.

Herman is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is represented by Richard A. Ameduri of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli, Rowland, Short and Gori of Edwardsville.